PSAT Writing and Language Question 72: Answer and Explanation

Question: 72

• A. NO CHANGE
• B. it's
• C. they were
• D. one was

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

A

Pronouns and verb tenses are changing in the answer choices, so the question is testing consistency. A pronoun must be consistent in number with the noun it is replacing, and a verb must be consistent with the verbs around it. The pronoun here refers to the noun the beaver, which is singular. To be consistent, the pronoun in the answer choice must also be singular. They is plural, so eliminate (C). Although one is singular, it is only consistent with the word one; eliminate (D). It's is a contraction that means "it is." Therefore, it's is in the present tense when the past tense is needed. Eliminate (B). The correct answer is (A).